Hydraulic beds are so designed, with the aid of lifting mechanisms, to enable easy access to storage spaces under the bed.
It is for this reason that they are popular for domestic use here where storage space is usually scarce.
However, this hydraulic feature is not without its hazard. Between 2007 and mid-2010, the Consumer Council received a total of 91 complaints related to hydraulic beds, nearly 60% (54 cases) of which concerned issues of quality.
One fatal accident occurred in May last year, in which a domestic helper was found trapped inside a hydraulic bed in a residential flat in Tsuen Wan. She was certified dead at the scene.
Initial investigation revealed that the domestic helper might be accidentally trapped inside the hydraulic bed when she was alone at home tidying up the clothes inside the storage compartment under the bed.
The deadly incident has aroused concerns over the use and safety of hydraulic beds.
Hydraulic beds are made with two or three sets of gas springs fixed on metal lifting frames and installed under the bed boards. A gas spring consists essentially of a pressure tube and a piston rod designed to help lift and position the bed to allow access to storage space underneath.
The problems are often associated with the safety and quality of the gas springs installed and the design of the lifting mechanisms match the application e.g. the weight of the mattress and bed board.
In the use of hydraulic beds, consumers are cautioned not to operate a hydraulic bed alone without somebody around. And never allow the elderly or children to operate.
Other sensible advice includes: use correct posture to lift the bed; use body weight and not just the hands to press down the bed and mattress; and be careful of sharp exposed edges and protruding parts.
For those who are contemplating to purchase ready-made hydraulic beds, here are some guidelines concerning safety:
- Check if the connection and installation of the lifting mechanism are sturdy and in order.
- Choose models that are fitted with self-locking gas springs or with an additional safety support device attached to the lifting mechanism.
- Try out the lifting mechanism to ensure it is running smoothly and orderly.
For the purchase of made-to-order hydraulic beds, a few extra tips are in order:
- Shop around for a suitable supplier and state clearly your requests on the size, use of material and design.
- Arrange to measure the actual size required.
- Specify the mattress to go with it (brand, model and approximate weight), the direction and installation of the gas springs, and request for an additional safety device or self-locking gas springs in the lifting mechanism.
- Ask for a written quotation with a draft design complete with detailed sizes, materials, price and date of delivery.
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